Could Saffron Replace Opium?

Afghanistan is looking towards saffron as a potential gold mine. But this transition is no easy task. For centuries, the country ‘s economy has been boosted by the cultivation of opium poppies. Here’s a fun fact: 98% of the world’s opium is produced in Afghanistan. The production takes in roughly $1.4 billion a year. The profits helped fund such groups as the Taliban and government-linked warlords. Ceasing the production of opium in Afghanistan is equivalent to telling the mayor of Las Vegas to shut down all their casinos.

According to World News Australia: A big game-changers in Afghanistan could be the harvesting of saffron. Why? Not only is saffron easier to plant and harvest than opium poppies – but it’s also one of the most expensive spices in the world; yielding as much as $11,000 per kilo. The herb is also manufactured into a dried powder and sold as a supplement for a variety of health improvement purposes, such as saffron extract – a natural dietary supplement. Planting saffron flowers is not only easier to harvest than opium poppies but it also allows farmers to get out from under the thumb of the Taliban and offers new employment opportunities for Afghan women.

“99 per cent of Herat has been cleared of its poppies,” says Basheer Ahmad Ahmadi, Deputy of Herat Agriculture department. “Support from the government, NGOs and foreign aid is helping to encourage saffron cultivation.”